2 lanes will remain closed for 2-3 weeks for repairs

TXDoT opened three lanes along I-10 West shortly after 7:30 p.m. Saturday, nearly 24 hours after westbound lanes were completely shut down following a Union Pacific train derailment.

TXDoT Spokesperson Blanca Del Valle said the two right lanes will remain closed for the next two to three weeks until the repairs to the infrastructure are complete.

UPDATE:

Texas Department of Transportation crews were setting concrete safety barriers Saturday afternoon. Spokesperson Blanca Del Valle said once that is complete, three lanes will open. Two lanes will remain closed for the next 2-3 weeks until repairs are completed.

Del Valle said railroad crews started, but are waiting for materials to be delivered soon. Installation is expected by 5 p.m. Saturday.

NewsChannel 9's Kay Recede is working on the story and will bring the latest at 10, Saturday night.

Follow her on Twitter for updates: kayrecede

or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/krecede

ORIGINAL STORY:

I-10 West at Piedras has been completely shut down after a train derailed under the Cotton Street Overpass.

A look via Texas Dept. of Transportation cameras shows traffic backing up near I-10 and Copia in the westbound lanes. Drivers are being diverted off the highway at the Piedras St. exit.

The derailment happened around 8 p.m. Friday, and NewsChannel 9 spotted at least 6 cars derailed. One of the pillars is broken in half, another severely cracked.

Police dispatchers tell NewsChannel 9 there were no injuries, but due to the extent of the damage to the interstate, they will continue to divert traffic until TXDOT workers can make repairs.

Firefighters from the El Paso Fire Dept. arrived at the scene, after Union Pacific officials suspected some of the train cars might contain hazardous materials. However, no teams are investigating yet with HAZMAT gear on, and no evacuations have been called.

Photo: KTSM

There is no estimated time of completion for the repairs. Drivers are encouraged to take an alternate route. We are told the closure may last as long as tomorrow.